15Jeremiah 15

The People of Judah Will Die

1The Lord said to me: Even if Moses and Samuel were here, praying with you, I wouldn't change my mind. So send the people of Judah away.Select Jeremiah 15:1

2And when they ask where they are going, tell them that I, the Lord, have said: Some of you are going to die of horrible diseases. Others are going to die in war or from starvation. The rest will be led away to a foreign country.Select Jeremiah 15:2

3I will punish you in four different ways: You will be killed in war and your bodies dragged off by dogs, your flesh will be eaten by birds, and your bones will be chewed on by wild animals.Select Jeremiah 15:3

4This punishment will happen because of the horrible things your King Manasseh did. And you will be disgusting to all nations on earth.Select Jeremiah 15:4

5People of Jerusalem, who will feel sorry for you? Will anyone bother to ask if you are well?Select Jeremiah 15:5

6My people, you abandoned me and walked away. I am tired of showing mercy; that's why I'll destroy youSelect Jeremiah 15:6

7by scattering you like straw blown by the wind. I will punish you with sorrow and death, because you refuse to change your ways.Select Jeremiah 15:7

8There will be more widows in Judah than grains of sand on a beach. A surprise attack at noon! And the mothers in Jerusalem mourn for their children.Select Jeremiah 15:8

9A mother is in deep despair and struggles for breath. Her daylight has turned to darkness— she has suffered the loss of her seven sons. I will kill anyone who survives. I, the Lord, have spoken.Select Jeremiah 15:9

Jeremiah Complains

10I wish I had never been born! I'm always in trouble with everyone in Judah. I never lend or borrow money, but everyone curses me just the same.Select Jeremiah 15:10

11Then the Lord replied, “I promise to protect you, and when disaster comes, even your enemies will beg you for help.”Select Jeremiah 15:11

The Enemy Cannot Be Defeated / The told me to say:

12People of Judah, just as you can't break iron mixed with bronze, you can't defeat the enemies that will attack from the north.Select Jeremiah 15:12

13I will give them everything you own, because you have sinned everywhere in your country.Select Jeremiah 15:13

14My anger is a fire that cannot be put out, so I will make you slaves of your enemies in a foreign land.Select Jeremiah 15:14

Jeremiah Complains Again

15You can see how I suffer insult after insult, all because of you, Lord. Don't be so patient with my enemies; take revenge on them before they kill me.Select Jeremiah 15:15

16When you spoke to me, I was glad to obey, because I belong to you, the Lord All-Powerful.Select Jeremiah 15:16

17I don't go to parties and have a good time. Instead, I keep to myself, because you have filled me with your anger.Select Jeremiah 15:17

18I am badly injured and in constant pain. Are you going to disappoint me, like a stream that goes dry in the heat of summer?Select Jeremiah 15:18

The Replies

19Then the Lord told me: Stop talking like a fool! If you turn back to me and speak my message, I will let you be my prophet once again. I hope the people of Judah will accept what you say. But you can ignore their threats, *Select Jeremiah 15:19

20because I am making you strong, like a bronze wall. They are evil and violent, but when they attack,Select Jeremiah 15:20

21I will be there to rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken.Select Jeremiah 15:21